What aspect of the wiper blades should be visually inspected?

The presence of cracks or tears in the wiper blades is crucial to inspect visually because these defects can significantly impact their performance. Wiper blades are essential for maintaining visibility during inclement weather, and any damage can lead to ineffective wiping, potentially obscuring the driver's view and creating hazardous driving conditions. Cracks can prevent the rubber from making complete contact with the windshield, while tears may result in sections of the blade failing to clear water effectively. Therefore, ensuring that wiper blades are free from these types of damage is vital for safe vehicle operation. Other aspects like color fading, size, and weight do not directly affect the functionality of the wiper blades in the same critical way that cracks or tears do.